Quick Links
Tucked away at the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula along the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Port Angeles offers the best of two touristic worlds; an alluring seaside and a charming mountain-side proximity. Located in Clallam County, in the state of Washington, the city is a gateway to the famed Olympic National Park, one of three National Parks in Washington. The park is home to unique ecosystems, lakes, hikeable waterfalls, and diverse species of flora and fauna, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Olympic Peninsula is often compared to Vancouver Island in terms of tourist offerings, but Port Angeles may be the frontrunner.
From water sports activities to hiking on magnificent, scenic trails in the midst of diverse forms of vegetation, Port Angeles, Washington offers numerous attractions for vacationers seeking activity-packed adventures. The city offers a seamless entry point into destinations in neighboring counties, some of which share resources like the Olympic Mountains and Olympic National Park with Port Angeles. From its harbor, Port Angeles also offers a ferry crossing to Victoria, British Columbia in Canada. Here's everything travelers should know about heading to Port Angeles, Washington.
Best Time To Go
The best time to vacation in Port Angeles is the period between June and August. Temperatures have risen at this point and the chilly atmosphere is replaced by warmer and pleasant weather. August is typically the hottest month, with average daily temperatures being close to 66 °F.
Visits typically peak in July, as the warm weather is complemented by fewer days of precipitation, and outdoor activities can be enjoyed without many hindrances.
While the weather in September may still be warm, the chances of precipitation are increased, and this can dampen outdoor activities.
Nevertheless, Port Angeles is easily an all-season destination. Vacationers or sports persons seeking snow-based activities will find it more worthwhile to visit in winter.
What To Know When Visiting
- Port Angeles is on the windward side (or rain shadow) of the Olympic Mountains, with the implication that it receives lesser precipitation compared to neighboring areas
- The weather in the areas near the Olympic Mountains is often unpredictable, and it is best to carry along warm jackets even in summer
- It may be safe to wear wetsuits when going for water sports activities on Lake Crescent, as water temperatures can get very cold due to the lake's depth
- Be open to exploration of trails packing different attractions due to the diverse landscape of the locations in or near Port Angeles
Best Ways To Get Around
The William R. Fairchild International Airport in is an option for flying into Port Angeles, though it mostly caters to private fliers using chartered jets. Travelers from outside the state of Washington will find the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to be more convenient.
To get to Port Angeles from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, one can use the Dungeness intercity buses provided by the state of Washington.
From Seattle, one can use the Washington State Ferry to Bainbridge Island and then connect to Port Angeles via Highway 101. Another alternative is to drive south towards Puget Sound and then take the northern direction to the Peninsula.
One may need about 2.5 hours for both journeys, though the waiting times for the ferry and traffic conditions may increase the overall duration taken to get to Port Angeles.
Once within the city, there are a number of convenient options for getting around. There are agencies offering car and bike rental services, which are the most convenient means to get to different attractions.
Additionally, Clallam Transit System offers bus services around the city of Port Angeles, as well as in other areas of Clallam County such as Sequim, Joyce, and Forks.
Where To Stay
From pricey to more modest accommodation options, there are plenty of choices for visitors in Port Angeles, WA.
Red Lion Hotel, Port Angeles Harbor
With its location on Hollywood Beach, the three-star hotel offers a splendid view of the Strait of Juan de Fuca waters. It is also close to the visitor center of Olympic National Park and is a short distance away from the docks where ferries to Victoria, British Columbia in Canada can be found.
The hotel has periodic offers for those who make direct bookings and perks for guests with membership.
- Address: 221 N. Lincoln St., Port Angeles, WA 98362
- Amenities: Onsite restaurant, pet friendly
Royal Victorian Motel
The two-star motel is located near the Port Angeles Harbor and with direct proximity to the city’s conveniences, including the Port Angeles Dream Playground.
The motel offers direct views of the Olympic Mountains and is a walkable distance to the Olympic Discovery Trail.
- Address: 521 E 1st St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
- Amenities: great views, beverage bar
Olympic Lodge By Ayres
The four-star hotel features a rustic, luxurious ambiance, with intricate landscape features comprising streams, scenic greenery, and rock gardens. Close to Ennis Creek and the Peninsula Golf Club the hotel offers outdoor experiences through guided tours which are booked separately.
- Address: 140 Del Guzzi Dr, Port Angeles, WA 98362
- Amenities: pool, hot tub
Port Angeles Inn
The inn is located in downtown Port Angeles and is a few, walkable meters away from the Black Ball Ferry Line where one can catch the ferry to Victoria in British Columbia. The location offers access to the conveniences of the city while providing a comfortable base to launch an exploration of the Olympic Peninsula.
- Address: 111 E 2nd St, Port Angeles, WA, 98362
- Amenities: Some rooms have balconies for harbor views
Where To Eat
Depending on one’s itinerary, people can choose different dining options when exploring Port Angeles’s attractions. There are several eateries and grocery stores from where campers, hikers, and picnickers can get supplies and ready foods on the go.
- Breakfast: The Blackbird Coffeehouse, The Shirley’s Café, Easy Street Coffee and Tea House
- Lunch and Dinner: Next Door Gastropub, Kokopelli Grill, The Strait Slice Pizza Co., Toga’s Soup House Deli and Gourmet
- Dinner: Bella Italia, Sabai Thai Restaurant, Ld’s Woodfire Grill
Top Things To Do
Whether interested in some laid-back sightseeing or wish to actively enjoy the landscape of Port Angeles, there is something for everyone.
In fact, one may have a blend of two or more activities in a single tour. The pleasant, diverse geography of the port city makes it an easy favorite of many, action-seeking vacationers.
Go On An Action-packed Tour Of Olympic National Park
The park is a beautiful blend of ecosystems ranging from a Pacific coastline, to temperate forests and alpine greenery.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site offers some of the most scenic attractions in Port Angeles, and ideal sites for a wide range of outdoor activities.
- Hurricane Ridge
If interested in skiing, guided snowshoe tours, or snowboarding, then Hurricane Ridge is a popular spot worth exploring. Less than 20 miles from Port Angeles, the ridge offers sweeping, breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca in summer.
The Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area provides a lift-serviced section for snowboarding and skiing over winter.
From the hurricane Ridge visitor center, one can get snacks, restrooms, and a gift shop. There are also picnic spots and trails for hiking a few miles away from the visitor center.
- Lake Crescent
Less than 20 miles from Port Angeles and at the foot of the Olympic Mountains, Lake Crescent has pristine, clear waters.
The lake is a convenient point of reference for the numerous, hiking trails around, which lead to some of the most breathtaking sights in and around the park. One of the most popular trails here is the Barnes Creek route which leads to Marymere Falls. The trail offers the chance to sample the diverse greenery peppering the path, as well as scenic, photo-friendly stops.
Lake Crescent is also an ideal location for kayaking and boating, with rental agencies present nearby to cater to these needs.
The Lake Crescent Lodge cabins would be a convenient place to relax for the night, and so is the Log Cabin Resort a short distance off.
- The Olympic Mountains
Steep peaks, forests, and valleys are some of the features that make up the geography of the Olympic Mountains, which is partly within the park. Mount Olympus is the highest peak and hosts six active glaciers. The scenic peak is a popular spot for hiking among mountaineers.
Before setting forth on the exploration journey, be sure to gather information on viable hiking trails since weather dynamics may impact accessibility.
The mountain range has several other peaks, including Mount Constance and Mount Townsend which are both visible from Seattle.
- Madison Creek Falls and Elwha Valley
Madison Creek Falls is found just near the Elwha River. The paved trail leading to the 50-foot-high falls is a fairly level and short one, and the falls are just a few meters from the parking area. One can get striking views of the Elwha River from the parking area, and there are nice, picnic spots at the trailhead.
In the vicinity of the Madison Creek Falls trail is the Elwha River Valley, which is a significant watershed in the Olympic Peninsula. The Elwha River was crucial in the migration of salmon prior to the construction of dams along its course. With the removal of the dams and ongoing restoration, the Glines Canyon Spillway Overlook offers a unique view of the removed dams and restorative processes. Another route worth checking out for views of the valley is the Cascade Rock trail, which is a fairly difficult hike but gives exemplary views of the valley.
Warning: Vehicle traffic may be closed beyond the Madison Falls parking lot due to flooding and the washout of Olympic Hot Springs Road at this location.
The Olympic Hot Springs is an attraction not to be missed with a visit to the Elwha area. With the washed-out road, one may need to hike an 8-mile distance from Madison Falls trailhead to get to the springs.
- Hoh Rainforest
The temperate rainforest is among the leading destinations in the park, and it features canopies of diverse coniferous and deciduous vegetation. A 2-hour drive away from Port Angeles, there is a visitor center on Upper Hoh Road where one can get tips on the best activities to engage in within the forest.
If keen on hiking, there are two, short-loop, hiking trails with splendid views of fascinating vegetation. The main trail, the Hoh River Trail, is as long as 30km if followed to its end.
For some rest and rejuvenation, Hoh Rainforest has camping sites, some of which are spread along the length of the Hoh River Hiking trail. Keep an eye out for elk herds, a common phenomenon in the forest.
Have Some Active Fun At The Salt Creek Recreation Area
Also located on US Route 101, the Salt Creek Recreation Area offers a little less than 200 acres of pure glory in nature. Formerly a World War II military camp, one of the activities that one can engage in here is to study relics of the park’s past function.
One of its two, notable, scenic hiking trails leads to a World War II bunker, while the other is a route to the nearby WDRN Striped Peak.
The recreation area is adjacent to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with its campsites offering breathtaking views of the ocean. The majority of the 92 camping spots available are snagged on a first-come first served basis. However, the two ADA-accessible campsites available require an advance reservation.
The recreation area is also popular for its picnic shelters which cost $80 per day and can host a maximum of 50 people. They are fitted with conveniences such as countertops, electric outlets, outdoor grills, and sinks.
Overnight camping in picnic shelters is prohibited.
If interested in a walk along the beach, focus on reaching Tongue Point, which is visible at low tide. Aside from the enchanting views of the water, visitors can also see marine animals such as clams and mussels.
The park provides several amenities for a wholesome experience: a playground, sand volleyball courts, a playing field, basketball courts, bathrooms, and parking.
Sightseeing At The Port Angeles City Pier And Ediz Hook
Located in downtown Port Angeles, the city pier offers a good deal of fun, laid-back activities to engage in. Views of the breathtaking, surrounding landscape and the ferries headed to Victoria, BC are possible from here. Moreover, with strategic positioning, one may even fish at the pier.
Festivals and annual events are also occasionally held on the pier, among them the famed Dungeness Crab Festival.
Ediz Hook, which is a sand spit jutting into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, is accessible by car. It offers the promise of marvelous views of the waters, the harbor, some peaks of the Olympic Mountains, and ferries headed to Victoria. The experience is more enchanting on foot or through bike rides, with spots for picnicking available along the way.
It is a relatively calm side of the Strait’s waterfront, allowing for some fresh, salty breaths of air as the waves roll yonder. People may also launch kayaks or canoes from the hook.
Winds may get pretty cold; bring a jacket!
Explore The Olympic Discovery Trail
The trail allows for non-motorized touring, beginning in Port Townsend and terminating on the beautiful shores of the Pacific Ocean. Views of pristine waters of lakes and rivers, and valleys, as well as imposing sights of snow-capped mountains are among the treasures of the Olympic Peninsula visible along the trail.
The trail passes through the towns of Port Townsend, Sequim, Port Angeles, and Forks, providing accommodation and refreshment opportunities along the way. There are also camping spots within its length for that all-natural excursion.
Sports On Lake Sutherland
Located a short distance from the Olympic National Park, Lake Sutherland is known for the range of water sports activities carried out there. It is found east of Lake Crescent and is surrounded by vacation homes, many of which are only inhabited seasonally. It is about 17 miles to the west of Port Angeles, with the Strait of Juan de Fuca just 10 miles north.
The water body, famed for its kokanee salmon and trout, has nice fishing spots and is a popular destination for many fishers. With the removal of the Elwha Dam and ongoing restoration of the Elwha River, the fauna in the lake is likely to be enhanced.
Being shallow and therefore warmer than the neighboring Lake Crescent, activities on the water include kayaking, windsurfing, water-skiing, sailing and even swimming.
Go On A Cultural-themed Tour
With the heritage of the native peoples visible in various facets of Port Angeles life, a culture-themed tour would be the icing on the cake of an exemplary vacation. The art mural trail downtown offers an interesting glimpse into the culture of Native Americans.
There is also an Art Walk Weekend held on the second weekend of every month, with displays of artistic creations in select shops and galleries.
One can also visit the Elwha Klallam Carnegie Museum, which displays amazing Native American art and artifacts, some of which are a few thousand years old.
Another gem for history lovers is the Makah Museum found to the west of Port Angeles in Neah Bay on the Makah Reservation. It also displays fascinating artifacts relating to the heritage of Native Americans.
How To Spend A Perfect Day In Port Angeles, Washington
If in Port Angeles in the summer, go on a drive in the Olympic National Park and head to the direction of Lake Crescent. Rent a canoe from Lake Crescent Lodge and sail into the pristine waters of the lake. Savor the beauty of the waters of the lake which caress the foot of the mountains, and remember to take pictures of the alluring landscape.
After the tour, head back ashore and choose a nice picnic spot for late lunch, and stroll the beach while taking even more photos. Afterward, drive to the Sol Duc Hot Springs for a warm soak to shake off any chills and relax the mind.
The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort has a restaurant serving sumptuous, northwestern cuisine for dinner. To crown the day, retire to one of the resort’s cabin rentals for a well-deserved sleep.
FAQ
Q: Does Port Angeles have a beach?
Yes, Port Angeles has a beach and pier. However, it's often chilly here, so come prepared.
Q: What is Port Angeles WA known for?
Port Angeles is known for the nearby Olympic National Park and the many outdoor adventures that can be had there.
Q: Can you see whales at Port Angeles?
Yes; whales often travel past Port Angeles; the San Juan Islands make for an amazing whale watching spot, too.